# Getting Your Telegram API Credentials

> Before you can use Maestro Scraper, you need to obtain API credentials from Telegram. These allow the app to connect to your Telegram account.

Before you can use Maestro Scraper, you need to obtain API credentials from Telegram. These allow the app to connect to your Telegram account.

1. Open [https://my.telegram.org/apps](https://my.telegram.org/apps) in your browser
2. Log in with your phone number
3. Click **"API development tools"**
4. Fill in the form:
   - **App title**: Any name (e.g., "Maestro Scraper")
   - **Short name**: Any short name (e.g., "mscraper")
   - **Platform**: Desktop
5. Click **Create application**
6. You will see your **API ID** (a number) and **API Hash** (a 32-character string)
7. Save these - you will need them to log in

> **WARNING: Important**
>
> Never share your API ID and API Hash with anyone. These credentials provide access to the Telegram API on your behalf.